Dog Care and Obedience Training

Feeding and general care

Four or five meals a day are the rule from six weeks to three months; three meals - from three to six months; two meals - from six months to one year. After a year, a dog can do well on two or even one meal daily. In the early stages, two of the meals should be milk, with cereal added, and minced or chopped meat. Any boneless meat is suitable, though dogs cannnot digest too much fat or pork. There are as many feeding schedules as there are breeders, and puppies do fine on all of them, so it is best for the new owner to follow the one given him by the breeder of his puppy. Remember that all dogs are individuals. The amount that will keep your dog in good health is right for him, not the "rule-book" amount.

Supplementary vitamins and minerals should be given to all growing animals. Chemicals that are present in very small quantities in natural foods and are essential for the proper growth and nutrition of the body: Vitamins A and D are needed for bone development in puppies, but if given in excessive doses are capable of causing bone disease. Vitamin B complex is important for all ages, but especially in older dogs. Vitamin K is essential for normal blood clotting, and Vitamin E is associated with fat metabolism and fertility.

Puppies should be handled gently and firmly. A puppy falling from an adult's arms can injure itself badly. The best method of lifting is to one hand under the chest between the forelegs, and use the other hand to support the hindquarters. Puppies should never be picked up by the front legs or the scruff of the neck.

Complete list of books for dog care